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The identity of Leonardo da Vinci’s mother has always been a mystery. Art historians have struggled to find information about the woman whose illegitimate son became the artistic genius who painted Mona Lisa. With only a possible first name – Caterina – there has been speculation that she was a peasant or even a slave from north Africa. Beyond that, there is little to go on.

Now, almost six centuries later, one of the world’s leading authorities on Leonardo has given a far fuller account of her story, piecing together her son’s world using previously overlooked documents.

Now THAT was interesting! Thanks for posting!. So many historical myths are dropping now that the internet has allowed so many sleuths to go poking around in the old records. It isn't just speculation about the biggest names any more; all the little details can be gathered and crunched, and concrete answers turn up where everybody had gotten used to the fiction.